Holy Martyrs Pionius and Others with Him

Life

Pionius was a presbyter of Smyrna. He suffered in Smyrna during the Decian persecution. He was condemned to crucifixion, with which he was exceedingly glad. And as soon as the soldiers had fashioned the cross and laid it on the ground, Pionius himself lay down upon the cross, stretched out his arms, and commanded the soldiers to nail the nails into his hands. The cross was set upright in an inverted position, and a fire was lit beneath the martyr's head. There was a great crowd around him. Pionius closed his eyes and prayed to God within himself. The fire could not even set his hair alight. When at last the fire went out and everyone thought him dead, Pionius opened his eyes and cried out with joy: "O God, receive my spirit!" and breathed his last. This saint wrote the life of Saint Polycarp of Smyrna, with whom he now rejoices together in the Kingdom of Christ. He suffered and was glorified in the year 250.